Careers at Tynker

Are you a creative thinker with a can-do attitude? Do you want to play a key role in developing a new computing platform - one designed to teach children computational thinking and programming skills in a fun, intuitive, and imaginative way? Are you interested in joining a team of all-stars with a history of starting and building successful companies?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, consider joining us at Tynker. We’re looking for fellow innovators who are passionate about preparing kids for the next millennium. Get in on the ground floor of an innovative new company that is changing the way kids learn about and leverage technology.

Tynker is well-funded by leading educators and top-tier Silicon Valley VCs.

Software Engineer - Game Development

Tynker is looking for a talented software engineer to join our game development team. In this position, you will collaborate with game designers, designers, developers and artists and drive the implementation of a variety of games designed specifically to teach kids to code. In this role, you will build games inspired by physics puzzlers like Angry Birds, arcade classics such as Pacman, and popular contemporary games like Candy Crush, Minecraft or Fortnite. Your games will inspire millions of kids to learn coding and get creative!

Tynker is the #1 Kids Coding platform and helps millions of students learn coding. Our self-paced courses and creativity tools guide them from block coding to JavaScript, Swift and and Python. Tynker's mission is to provide every child with solid foundations in STEM, programming and critical thinking skills to prepare them to become better architects of their future world.

Primary Tasks

Design and develop game kits that comprise of well-designed, documented, fully working games for kids to use, re-create and customize

Build games and apps using various programming languages - Tynker, JavaScript, Python and Swift

Collaborate with other developers and instructional designers to plan game-based courses and curriculum.

Requirements:

Proficient in 2D and 3D math and a solid understanding of CS fields including data structures, algorithms, UX, networks and operating systems

Must be comfortable switching development environments, standards and code bases quickly and effectively

Experience as a developer on a project that used Android and iOS technologies using Objective C, Java or Swift

Must be proficient in one of more of the following languages: JavaScript, Swift, Python, C++, Objective C, C#

Excellent problem solving and communication skills, so that you are able to articulate technical concepts for a young student audience.

Must be proficient with common game patterns, various game engines, and articulate implementation strategies for designing different kinds of games such as platformers, mobile, puzzle, arcade, strategy and role-playing games.

Passion for games and game development

Ability to learn and act in a fast-paced environment

A high level of energy and motivation

Experience with OpenGL, ARKit and other 3D technologies

Experience with drones, LEGO, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Bluetooth, and other hardware kits is a plus

Software Engineer - Video Content Development

Tynker is looking for an experienced video content developer with lots of creative ideas! In this role, you will design, develop and maintain original video content for Tynker's student audience who are learning to code. You will explain how to build games, apps, Minecraft mods and other creative projects using Tynker's visual programming language. You will join a dynamic team of content developers, designer and game developers and come up with new and stimulating ways to engage young coders to get creative with code.

Tynker is the #1 Kids Coding platform and helps millions of students learn coding. Our self-paced courses and creativity tools guide them from block coding to JavaScript, Swift and and Python. Tynker's mission is to provide every child with solid foundations in STEM, programming and critical thinking skills to prepare them to become better architects of their future world.

Game Designer

Tynker is looking for a highly creative and versatile game designer who can storyboard games, design game levels, and define goal progression. In this role, you will own the overall process from conceiving innovative game play to analyzing real-time feedback and adjust designs accordingly. You will work in conjunction with artists, developers and designers to implement and launch new games and levels. Your primary goal is to keep kids motivated and engaged in the creative learning environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Storyboard games, design game levels, and define goal progression

Own the overall process from conceiving innovative game play to implementation

Work with an amazing team of artists, game developers and designers to plan, implement and launch new games

Clearly articulate game designs, gameplay, and visuals using Photoshop, Illustrator, and other tools

Define gameplay for web, tablet and phone-based games

Understand our K-12 audience and build something special for them

Keep users motivated and engaged in the creative learning environment

Plan balancing, monetization of virtual economies and driving player behavior

Create reward structures and incentives within the game environment

Analyze Excel models for incentives and levels

Requirements:

At least 3-5 years experience as a game designer, preferably with casual, social or mobile games

Ability to fully document features including game systems, game mechanics, economy, UI, characters and story

Strong knowledge of analytics and how to use data in game design

Expert at creating reward structures and incentives in game environment

Ability to present concepts and receive feedback

Willing to take creative risks

Must be passionate about gaming and be up to date on game design literature and best practices

Art direction and animation design experience is a big plus

Previous technical experience and broad knowledge of game system capabilities are a plus

Quality Assurance Intern

Tynker is currently seeking a Quality Assurance Intern to join our team for 3-6 months. You will be responsible for testing our consumer facing web and mobile experiences. If you are bothered by misaligned buttons, unexpected errors, and other oddities, this is your chance to make them right! You will learn as you work alongside a team of developers and game designers, in our small and dynamic team.

This is a full-time paid Internship position available now, with the opportunity for growth for the right person. Summer interns looking for employment only during the summer, please DO NOT apply.

What you'll do:

Test the Tynker web experience from a variety of roles including students, teachers and parents, on all supported OS platforms.

Test Tynker home courses, school and camp curriculum on all supported platforms.

Develop, document, and maintain test plans, and test scripts.

Collaborate with developers to communicate and report bugs.

Prepare weekly updates to management including status and relevant charts.

Key Position Requirements:

Education: BS in Computer Science or a related field.

Previous testing experience with web and mobile platforms is desired.

Must be organized and pay particular attention to detail.

Knowledge of software development life cycle as well as various forms of testing.

Exceptional problem solving skills.

Programming experience & knowledge of web development including as HTML, CSS, JavaScript is preferred.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work well among developers.

Community Intern

We're looking for someone who can help us moderate our online platforms and maintain quality throughout our library of content. Current high school seniors and college students to the front of the line! We prefer candidates in journalism, English, or writing programs with some computer science or coding experience. Please provide a resume.

This position is a paid full-time internship. Summer interns, please do not apply.

What You'll Do:

Moderate our online communities

Proofread copy within our educational software products

Edit and author blog posts

Key Position Requirements:

Interest in supporting kids’ creativity

Impeccable skill set in grammar, writing and editing

Strong attention to detail

Strong written and oral communication skills

Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, etc)

Ability to learn and act in a fast-paced environment

Effective task management

A high level of energy and motivation

Strong sense of urgency

Preferred Qualifications

Some computer science or coding experience

Fluency in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Chinese

About

Tynker is a creative computing platform where millions of kids have learned to program and build games, apps and more. Tynker offers self-paced online courses for children to learn coding at home, as well as an engaging programming curriculum for schools.